Dick's Sporting Goods was founded over 50 years ago and has been giving back to the community ever since. Their fundamental belief is that sports create life skills for kids that extend beyond the field of play as it teaches character and team building.

Over the past few years, the funding going toward youth sports have been cut drastically. According to a study, nearly 3.5 billion dollars of funding has been but over the years, and they predict by 2020 that 27% of U.S high schools will not offer type of sports program. These staggering statics caused Dick's Sporting Goods to evoke some change and start the Sports Matters program to help fund future youth sports. The foundation is a $25 million multi-year commitment from Dick's that will support teams and communities across the country. Dick's will match up to $2 million in community donations as well which will go directly back into the community to build struggling programs.

To apply your program or donate to this much needed cause, head over to dicks.com/sportsmatter before registration closes March 21.